Two Success Factors - Persistence and Determination

One of my friends recently shared a quote with me from Calvin Coolidge.

Coolidge said,

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

I agree with Coolidge. I believe success in life comes down to these two success factors—persistence and determination. It's always the last 10 yards that are the hardest. It's always the extra effort that helps us discover our real potential. It's always the storm before the calm that makes the sunshine meaningful. So many people come so close only to lose the prize because of persistence. 

Two Success Factors

I think it's important to define these two success factors to really understand what it takes to be successful.

Persistence: 

• Refusing to give up or let go
• Insistently repetitive or continuous
• Existing or remaining in the same state for an indefinitely long time; enduring tenaciously
• Lasting without falling off
• Retained permanently, rather than disappearing in a early stage
• Occurring without interruption

Determination:

• Firmness of purpose; resolve
• Resoluteness
• Never giving up, never
• Unshakeable resolution to finish
• Controlling the outcome
• Fixed and firmly held

Now it's up to each of us. 

What goals are you currently working on that will require real persistence and real determination. Think of those goals and write down your plan to "press on" and finish what you've started. 

This is not for some of us. It's for all of us.

#nevergiveup

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